Florida had a good early signing day a couple of weeks ago, bringing in a five-star safety in Kamari Wilson and convincing top-100 linebacker Shemar James to return to the class. Still, UF’s class ranks just 50th nationally and remains the worst class in the SEC, so new head coach Billy Napier has a lot of work to do before the regular national signing day in February.
One player who could factor into the signing day haul is Montgomery, Alabama, linebacker T.J. Dudley. A four-star recruit who is the No. 198 player in the country, per the 247Sports Composite, Dudley doesn’t have an offer from the Gators yet, but that could change as he’s set to take an official visit to Gainesville on Jan. 14 after the end of the dead period.
Dudley was originally committed to Oregon, who he pledged to on June 28 a few weeks after taking an official visit to Eugene. However, he decommitted on Dec. 6 after Ducks coach Mario Cristobal left to take the Miami job.
With his recruitment open again, Dudley told 247Sports that he has been in contact with several members of Florida’s new staff, including defensive coordinator Patrick Toney, defensive analyst Jamar Chaney and Napier himself. He also said that he’s heard from freshman UF linebacker Scooby Williams and 2022 linebacker signee Shemar James — both Alabama natives, as well — and that they’ve been recruiting him hard.
He also has familial connections to the program, as his mom is a Gator fan and he grew up watching the team play. He said that an offer would mean a lot to him, and it seems that UF would be in a good spot to land him if it does eventually offer.
He has already taken official visits to Texas, UCF and Oregon, and he listed his current top five as Florida, Texas, Clemson, Oregon and Oklahoma. After his slate of January official visits, he expects to be ready to make a decision.
[lawrence-related id=65534,65441,65386,65384,65327]
[listicle id=43616]
[listicle id=63253]
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.